Stress, depression and self esteem among the youths

Abstract

This study aimed at finding out the relationship between stress, depression and self esteem among the youths. The study targeted 80 youths in few selected secondary schools in Nama Sub County in Mukono district. The students in those selected schools who were willing to take part in the study were first asked the background information which had questions on their age, sex, religion and the class they are studying. The objectives of the study were to examine the relationship between stress and self esteem, to examine the relationship between depression and self esteem and to examine the relationship between stress and depression. The questionnaires were designed to measure for stress, depression and self esteem. The study used random sampling during the data collection period. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation coefficient. Study results showed that there is a significant relationship between stress and self esteem among the youths (r= -.562**, p=.000). Results also showed that there is a significant relationship between depression and self esteem among the youths (r= .260**, p=.020) and also there is a significant relationship between stress and depression among the youths(r= .220**, p=.050) among the youths. The study findings show that the stress management techniques in addition to reducing stress, improve self-esteem. Transcendental meditation reduces stress and improves attention resulting in enhanced academic performance. Chanting and meditation enhances attention, self-esteem and improves visual and spatial memory. This may improve adjustment among chronically stressed and disadvantaged students by enhancing self-esteem.